asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will inquire into the treatment of German prisoners-of-war in Durham Prison during their period of detention prior to facing charged of stealing poultry; and whether he will make a statement.

I understand that complaints have been made by the three prisoners in question. I have fully investigated these complaints, which relate to such matters as smoking, shaving, and access to the prison governor and I am satisfied that these prisoners are receiving the treatment to which all prisoners on remand are entitled under the rules. Their complaints appear to be due to misunderstanding of the rules, and steps have been taken by the prison governor to remove this misunderstanding and to explain to them fully their rights as remand prisoners.